Can one become a VIP member on a monthly basis (i.e. pay for one month then not for like 3 months then pay for the next month) or does it have to be continuous? Also, does the donations count towards a VIP membership? If so, how does that work?

You can be VIP for one month after the month you will get a notification your VIP has been expired. It will not be renewed automatically. You can renew it whenever you like. Some VIP features (like when you have more than 100 favorites in your list, or your last 100 requests) will be back when you have renewed your VIP.

The donations does not count towards a VIP membership. If you thought your donation was also for your VIP, just let me know or contact JERIC directly. He will change your donation into a VIP membership.